A student nurse asks the RN about the clinical manifestations of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Which of the following findings should the nurse discuss? (Select all that apply).
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing
Upper chest pain
Diaphoresis
Cough
Hoarseness
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E,F
Choice A: Shortness of breath Shortness of breath can occur with a TAA due to the aneurysm compressing the trachea or the lung tissue. As the aneurysm enlarges, it can impinge on respiratory structures, leading to difficulty in breathing. A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a bulging or dilation in the wall of the aorta as it passes through the chest cavity. TAAs can be life-threatening if they rupture or dissect and are often difficult to detect because they tend to grow slowly and usually do not cause symptoms until they become large or rupture.
Choice B: Difficulty swallowing Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, may be experienced if a TAA exerts pressure on the esophagus. This can happen when the aneurysm is located in the aortic arch, where the esophagus is in close proximity.
Choice C: Upper chest pain Upper chest pain is a common symptom of TAA and may be described as a deep, steady pain that can radiate to the back, neck, or jaw. The pain is caused by the stretching of the aortic wall and may be a warning sign of an impending rupture.
Choice D: Diaphoresis Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not typically a direct symptom of a TAA. However, it can be associated with acute aortic syndromes, such as aortic dissection or rupture, which are medical emergencies.
Choice E: Cough A persistent cough can be a sign of a TAA, especially if the aneurysm is pressing against the trachea or bronchial tubes. The cough may sometimes produce blood if the aneurysm is causing erosion into these structures.
Choice F: Hoarseness Hoarseness can result from a TAA if the aneurysm compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the muscles of the voice box. This is known as Ortner’s syndrome or cardiovocal syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["167"]
Explanation
- Step 1: Identify the client's weight in pounds. The client weighs 245 lbs.
- Step 2: Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms. We know that 1 kg = 2.2 lbs. So, 245 lbs = 245 ÷ 2.2 kg. Calculating the division gives us approximately 111.36 kg.
- Step 3: Identify the prescribed dose in mg/kg. The client is scheduled to receive 1.5 mg/kg of enoxaparin.
- Step 4: Calculate the total dose in mg. We can do this by multiplying the client's weight in kg by the prescribed dose in mg/kg:
- Total dose = 1.5 mg/kg × 111.36 kg.
- Calculating the multiplication gives us approximately 167.04 mg.
- Step 5: Round the total dose to the nearest whole number. Rounding 167.04 gives us 167.
administer 167 mg of enoxaparin per dose.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A: Shortness of breath Shortness of breath can occur with a TAA due to the aneurysm compressing the trachea or the lung tissue. As the aneurysm enlarges, it can impinge on respiratory structures, leading to difficulty in breathing. A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a bulging or dilation in the wall of the aorta as it passes through the chest cavity. TAAs can be life-threatening if they rupture or dissect and are often difficult to detect because they tend to grow slowly and usually do not cause symptoms until they become large or rupture.
Choice B: Difficulty swallowing Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, may be experienced if a TAA exerts pressure on the esophagus. This can happen when the aneurysm is located in the aortic arch, where the esophagus is in close proximity.
Choice C: Upper chest pain Upper chest pain is a common symptom of TAA and may be described as a deep, steady pain that can radiate to the back, neck, or jaw. The pain is caused by the stretching of the aortic wall and may be a warning sign of an impending rupture.
Choice D: Diaphoresis Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not typically a direct symptom of a TAA. However, it can be associated with acute aortic syndromes, such as aortic dissection or rupture, which are medical emergencies.
Choice E: Cough A persistent cough can be a sign of a TAA, especially if the aneurysm is pressing against the trachea or bronchial tubes. The cough may sometimes produce blood if the aneurysm is causing erosion into these structures.
Choice F: Hoarseness Hoarseness can result from a TAA if the aneurysm compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the muscles of the voice box. This is known as Ortner’s syndrome or cardiovocal syndrome.
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